importing contacts

Question

New Outlook has Contacts but cannot send & receive while Outlook Classic can send

& receive but has no contacts - How do I import contacts into Outlook classic?

Answer 1

Hi @Ric Fredricks

If you want to directly import contact from New Outlook to Classic Outlook, you can refer to the AI answer for manual method to export .csv file. Import or export contacts in Outlook using a .csv file

Additionally, what type of account are you using in Outlook (Microsoft 365/Exchange, POP/IMAP, etc.)?

Normally, if the contacts are stored on the mail server (for example, Microsoft 365/Exchange or Outlook.com), the contacts should automatically sync across both New Outlook and Outlook Classic when the same account is added.

Also, I want to let you know in New Outlook, you can go to View and there will be a sync option.

Answer 2

Use a CSV export from new Outlook, then import that CSV into classic Outlook.

1. In new Outlook, open People.
2. Select Manage contacts > Export contacts.
3. Choose the contacts folder to export, then select Export. The CSV file is saved to Downloads.
4. Open classic Outlook.
5. Select File > Open & Export > Import/Export.
6. Choose Import from another program or file > Next.
7. Select Comma Separated Values > Next.
8. Browse to the CSV file exported from new Outlook.
9. Choose how to handle duplicates:
   • Replace duplicates with items imported
   • Allow duplicates to be created
   • Do not import duplicate items
10. Select Next.
11. In Select a destination folder, choose the Contacts folder under the email account that should own the contacts, then select Next.
12. Select Finish.
13. In classic Outlook, select the People icon to confirm the contacts are now present.

If the contacts in new Outlook are only in a cloud mailbox, exporting to CSV and importing into classic Outlook is the supported path in the provided guidance.

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• Import or export contacts in Outlook using a .csv file
• Outlook contacts not showing in "new" outlook - Microsoft Q&A